Staple cartridge

ABSTRACT

A staple cartridge can comprise a plurality of staples positioned within a cartridge body, wherein the cartridge body can comprise a tissue-contacting deck and a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck. The ridges can be configured to prevent, or reduce the possibility of, tissue from moving relative to the staple cartridge during use. The staple cartridge can further comprise a plurality of staple cavities, wherein each staple cavity can comprise an opening in the deck which is at least partially surrounded by a ridge. The ridges can comprise a uniform height or a height which varies along the length thereof. The height can vary relative to a proximal end and a distal end of the cartridge body and/or between the center of the cartridge body and the side.

BACKGROUND

i. Technical Field

The present invention relates to stapling instruments and, in variousembodiments, to a surgical stapling instrument for producing one or morerows of staples.

ii. Background of the Related Art

A stapling instrument can include a pair of cooperating elongate jawmembers, wherein each jaw member can be adapted to be inserted into apatient and positioned relative to tissue that is to be stapled and/orincised. In various embodiments, one of the jaw members can support astaple cartridge with at least two laterally spaced rows of staplescontained therein, and the other jaw member can support an anvil withstaple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the staplecartridge. Generally, the stapling instrument can further include apusher bar and a knife blade which are slidable relative to the jawmembers to sequentially eject the staples from the staple cartridge viacamming surfaces on the pusher bar and/or camming surfaces on a wedgesled that is pushed by the pusher bar. In at least one embodiment, thecamming surfaces can be configured to activate a plurality of stapledrivers carried by the cartridge and associated with the staples inorder to push the staples against the anvil and form laterally spacedrows of deformed staples in the tissue gripped between the jaw members.In at least one embodiment, the knife blade can trail the cammingsurfaces and cut the tissue along a line between the staple rows.Examples of such stapling instruments are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,794,475, entitled SURGICAL STAPLES HAVING COMPRESSIBLE OR CRUSHABLEMEMBERS FOR SECURING TISSUE THEREIN AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS FORDEPLOYING THE SAME, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate various aspectsof the related art in the field of the invention at the time, and shouldnot be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

SUMMARY

In at least one form, a staple cartridge can comprise a plurality ofstaples and a cartridge body. The cartridge body can comprise atissue-contacting deck, a plurality of staple cavities, wherein eachstaple cavity comprises an opening in the deck, and wherein a staple ispositioned in each staple cavity. The cartridge body can furthercomprise a plurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contactingdeck, wherein each opening is at least partially surrounded by a ridge.

In at least one form, a staple cartridge can comprise a plurality ofstaples and a cartridge body. The cartridge body can comprise a middleportion, a side portion, a tissue-contacting deck, a plurality of staplecavities, wherein a staple is positioned in each staple cavity, and aplurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck, whereineach ridge extends between the middle portion and the side portion ofthe cartridge body.

In at least one form, a staple cartridge can comprise a plurality ofstaples and a cartridge body. The cartridge body can comprise a proximalend, a distal end, a tissue-contacting deck, a plurality of staplecavities, wherein a staple is positioned in each staple cavity, and aplurality of ridges extending from the tissue-contacting deck, whereineach ridge comprises a height which varies between a proximal height anda distal height, and wherein the proximal height is closer to theproximal end than the distal height.

The foregoing discussion should not be taken as a disavowal of claimscope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The various embodiments, however,both as to organization and methods of operation, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a surgical stapling instrument.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of the surgicalstapling instrument of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end effector of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the end effector of FIG. 1illustrating staples contained therein in an unfired configuration.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the staples of FIG. 4 in a firedconfiguration.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the end effector of FIG. 1 being usedto staple and transect tissue.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge in accordance with atleast one embodiment comprising a plurality of ridges extending from acartridge body.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a detail view illustrating staples positioned within staplecavities defined in the staple cartridge of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of transverse ridges extending from a cartridge body.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of transverse ridges extending from a cartridge body.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of ridges surrounding the proximal and distal ends of staplecavity openings defined in a cartridge body.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of ridges surrounding the proximal and distal ends of staplecavity openings defined in a cartridge body.

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of knurled ridges extending from a cartridge body.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of knurled ridges extending from a cartridge body.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a pyramidal knurl in accordance withat least one embodiment.

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a frustoconical knurl in accordancewith at least one embodiment.

FIG. 15C is a perspective view of a triangular knurl in accordance withat least one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of ridges entirely surrounding staple cavity openings definedin a cartridge body.

FIG. 16A is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge inaccordance with at least one alternative embodiment comprising aplurality of ridges entirely surrounding staple cavity openings definedin a cartridge body.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge in accordance withat least one alternative embodiment comprising a plurality oflongitudinal ridges extending from a cartridge body.

FIG. 18 is a detail view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 17.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in theart, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without suchspecific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components,and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand that the embodiments described and illustratedherein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated thatthe specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may berepresentative and illustrative. Variations and changes thereto may bemade without departing from the scope of the claims.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “someembodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment”, or the like, meansthat a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in someembodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment”, or the like,in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referringto the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, orcharacteristics illustrated or described in connection with oneembodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the featuresstructures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments withoutlimitation. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for conciseness andclarity, spatial terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “up,” and“down”, for example, may be used herein with respect to the illustratedembodiments. However, these terms are used to assist the reader and arenot intended to be limiting and absolute.

Turning to FIG. 1, a surgical stapling and severing instrument 10 caninclude a handle portion 12 that can be manipulated in order to positionan implement portion 14 in a surgical site. In various embodiments, theimplement portion 14 can include an end effector 16 attached to anelongate shaft 18. In various circumstances, the implement portion 14can be sized and configured to be inserted through a cannula of a trocar(not shown) into the surgical site in order to perform an endoscopic orlaparoscopic surgical procedure, for example. The end effector 16 cancomprise an upper jaw, or anvil, 20 and a lower jaw 22, wherein theanvil 20 can be moved between an open position and a closed positionwhen the closure trigger 24 of the handle portion 12 is moved, ordepressed, toward a pistol grip 26 of the handle portion 12. In variousembodiments, the depression of the closure trigger 24 can advance anouter closing sleeve 28 of the elongate shaft 18 wherein the outerclosing sleeve 28 can contact the anvil 20 and pivot the anvil 20 intoits closed position. In certain circumstances, the surgeon may rotatethe implement potion 14 about its longitudinal axis by twisting a shaftrotation knob 30. In any event, once the end effector 16 has beeninserted into an insufflated body cavity, for example, the closuretrigger 24 may be released thereby allowing the anvil 20 to be biasedopen by a spring (not shown) and positioned relative to the targetedtissue. In various embodiments, the closure trigger 24 can be locked inits depressed condition and, in at least one embodiment, the handleportion 12 can further comprise a lock release actuator 44 which can bedepressed to unlock the closure trigger 24. Once the anvil 20 and thelower jaw 22 have been suitably positioned relative to the tissue in thesurgical site, the closure trigger 24 can be depressed once again inorder to close the anvil 20 and compress the tissue against a staplecartridge 42 attached to the bottom jaw 22.

Once the anvil 20 has been closed, a firing trigger 32 can be drawn, ordepressed, toward the closure trigger 24 and the pistol grip 26 in orderto apply a firing force or motion to a firing member and advance thefiring member from an unfired position. In various embodiments, thefiring member can comprise a proximal firing rod 34 which is attached toa distal firing bar 36. In at least one such embodiment, the firing rod34 and/or the firing bar 36 can be supported within a frame 38 in shaft18 which can extend between the handle portion 12 and the end effector16. As a result of the firing motion applied to the firing member, thefiring bar 36 can be advanced distally within a elongate staplecartridge channel 40 of the lower jaw 22 and a staple cartridge 42positioned within the cartridge channel 40. In various embodiments,referring to FIG. 2, the firing bar 36 can comprise an attachmentportion 48 that is attached to an E-beam 50 which can translate withinthe end effector 16. The E-beam 50 can comprise a vertical portion 52which can pass through a narrow longitudinal anvil slot 58 extendingthrough a tissue-contacting surface 60 in the anvil 20, a narrowvertical slot 62 in the staple cartridge 42, and a narrow longitudinalchannel slot 64 in the elongate staple channel 40 when the E-beam 50 isadvanced distally. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the anvil slot 58 canextend upwardly into the anvil 20 and can comprise an end which opensinto a laterally-widened longitudinal channel 66 sized and configured toreceive an upper pin 54 that extends laterally from the vertical portion52. Similarly, the channel slot 64 can extend downwardly into thechannel 40 and can comprise an end which opens into a laterally-widenedlongitudinal channel 68 sized and configured to receive one or morelower feet 70 extending laterally from the vertical portion 52.

In various embodiments, further to the above, the E-beam 50 can furthercomprise one or more middle pins 72 which can extend laterally from thevertical portion 52 and can be configured to slide along a top surfaceof a bottom tray 74 of the staple cartridge 42. In certain embodiments,the middle pins 72 can be configured to seat the staple cartridge 42, orassure that the staple cartridge 42 remains seated, in the channel 40. Alongitudinal firing recess 75 formed in the staple cartridge 42 abovethe bottom tray 74 is sized to allow the middle pins 72 to translatethrough the staple cartridge 42. In various embodiments, the E-beam 50can further comprise a distal drive surface 76 which can be configuredto translate through the vertical slot 62 in the staple cartridge 42 anddrive a wedge sled 78 distally through the staple cartridge 42. Incertain embodiments, the wedge sled 78 can be integrally-formed withinthe E-beam 50 while, in other embodiments, the wedge sled 78 can residein the staple cartridge 42 and can be contacted by the drive surface 76as the E-beam 50 is advanced distally. The vertical portion 52 of theE-beam 50 can further comprise a cutting surface 80 which extends alonga distal edge above the distal drive surface 76 and below the upper pin54 that severs the clamped tissue 46 as the tissue 46 is being stapled.Referring now to FIG. 4, the wedge sled 78 can be configured to engageone or more staple drivers 82 and drive the staple drivers 82 upwardlytoward the anvil 20. In various embodiments, staples, such as staples83, for example, can be seated on and/or otherwise supported by thestaple drivers 82 such that, as the staple drivers 82 are liftedupwardly, the staples 83 can be lifted upwardly as well. In at least onesuch embodiment, the staples 83 can also be at least partiallypositioned within staple cavities, or pockets, 84 in a staple cartridgebody 85 of the staple cartridge 42 wherein, as the staples 83 are liftedupwardly, the staples 83 can contact the anvil 20 and can be ejectedfrom the staple cavities 84. In at least one embodiment, referring againto FIG. 4, the bottom tray 74 can be attached to the cartridge body 85in order to retain the staple drivers 82 and the staples 83 within thestaple cartridge 42 until the staples 83 are deployed therefrom asdescribed above.

In use, referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the anvil 20 can be positionedon one side of the tissue 46 and the bottom jaw 22 can be positioned onthe opposite side of the tissue 46 such that, when the anvil 20 isclosed onto the tissue, the tissue-contacting surface 60 of the anvil 20and the tissue-contacting deck 90 of the staple cartridge 42 cancompress the tissue 46 between an uncompressed thickness 91 and acompressed thickness 92. In order to staple and transect the tissue 46,as described above, the wedge sled 78 can be advanced distally withinthe staple cartridge 42 in order to lift the staple drivers 82 towardthe anvil 20 and deform the staples 83. In various embodiments, eachstaple driver 82 can comprise one or more slots defined therein whichcan be configured to receive and releasably hold the bases 87 of thestaples 83 in position. In at least one such embodiment, each staple 83can comprise one or more staple legs 88 extending from the base 87,wherein the staple legs 88 can extend upwardly into the staple cavities84. In various embodiments, the tips of the staple legs 88 can berecessed with respect to the deck, or tissue-contacting surface, 90 ofthe cartridge body 85 when the staples 83 are in their unfired position.As the staples 83 are being lifted upwardly by the drivers 82, the tipsof the staple legs 88 can emerge from the staple cavities 84, penetratethe tissue 46, and contact the anvil forming pockets 89 positionedopposite the staple cavities 84. The anvil forming pockets 89 can beconfigured to deform the staples 83 into any suitable shape, such as theB-form shape depicted in FIG. 5, for example. As the staples 83 aredeployed, referring now to FIG. 6, the cutting edge 80 can transect thetissue 46 into stapled portions 94.

As described above, the jaw members of an end effector can be configuredto apply a compressive pressure, or force, to the tissue being stapled.In various circumstances, however, the tissue can be slippery, forexample, and at least a portion of the tissue can slide relative to thejaw members. In certain circumstances, the tissue can slide out of thedistal end of the end effector in a longitudinal direction and/or slideout of the sides of the end effector in a direction which is transverseto the longitudinal direction. In some circumstances, portions of thetissue can milk out of the distal end of the end effector and/or thesides of the end effector when the tissue is compressed. In variousembodiments disclosed herein, a staple cartridge can comprise one ormore tissue retention features which can be configured to prevent, or atleast reduce the possibility of, tissue positioned within the endeffector from moving relative to the end effector.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a staplecartridge, such as staple cartridge 142, for example, can comprise acartridge body 185 and a plurality of staples, such as staples 187 (FIG.9), for example, positioned within the cartridge body 185. The cartridgebody 185 can comprise a proximal end 141 and a distal end 143, whereinthe proximal end 141 can be configured to be inserted into a proximalend of a staple cartridge channel and the distal end 143 can beconfigured to be inserted into a distal end of the staple cartridgechannel. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge body 185 can comprisea plurality of staple cavities 184 which can each be configured toreceive a staple 187 therein. In certain alternative embodiments,although not illustrated, a staple cavity can comprise more than onestaple positioned therein. In any event, the staple cavities 184 can bearranged in a plurality of rows within the cartridge body 185. Moreparticularly, in at least one embodiment, the staple cavities 184 can bearranged in three staple rows, for example, on a first side 145 of thecartridge body 185 and three staple rows, for example, on a second side147 of the cartridge body 185. In at least one such embodiment, thefirst side 145 and the second side 147 of the cartridge body 185 can beseparated by a knife slot 162 which can be configured to slidablyreceive a cutting member therein. In various other embodiments, acartridge can comprise any other suitable number of staple rows, such astwo staple rows or four staple rows, for example, on each side of theknife slot 162. Referring to FIG. 9, in various embodiments, the staplecartridge 142 can further comprise a plurality of staple drivers 182configured to support the staples 187 and/or eject the staples 187 fromthe staple cavities 184. In certain embodiments, each staple cavity 184can comprise an open end, or opening, 110 in the deck 190 of thecartridge body 185 through which the staples 187 can be ejected.

In various embodiments, referring primarily to FIG. 8, the staplecavities 184 can be arranged such that they are staggered longitudinallyrelative to one another. For example, the staple cavities 184 on thefirst side 145 of the cartridge body 185, for example, can be arrangedin an innermost row of staple cavities 184, an intermediate row ofstaple cavities 184, and an outermost row of staple cavities 184,wherein the staple cavities 184 in one row may not be alignedtransversely with the staple cavities 184 in one or both of the otherrows. In at least one embodiment, each staple cavity 184 can comprise aproximal end 111 and a distal end 112, wherein the proximal end 111 ofeach staple cavity 184 can be positioned closer to the proximal end 141of the cartridge body 185 than the distal end 112. Likewise, the distalend 112 of each cavity 184 can be positioned closer to the distal end143 of the cartridge body 185 than the proximal end 111. In variousembodiments, the innermost row of staple cavities 184 can be positionedsuch that the distal ends 112 of the staple cavities 184 within theinnermost row are positioned distally with respect to the distal ends112 of the staple cavities 184 in the intermediate row of staplecavities 184. Similarly, the outermost row of staple cavities 184 can bepositioned such that the distal ends 112 of the staple cavities 184within the outermost row are positioned distally with respect to thedistal ends 112 of the staple cavities in the intermediate row of staplecavities 184. For example, the distalmost staple cavity 184 in theinnermost row can be positioned distally with respect to the distalmoststaple cavity 184 in the intermediate row and, similarly, the distalmoststaple cavity 184 in the outermost row can be positioned distally withrespect to the distalmost staple cavity 184 in the intermediate row. Incertain embodiments, the staple cavities 184 of the innermost row andthe staple cavities 184 of the outermost row can be aligned transverselywith each other such that, one, the distal ends 112 of the innermoststaple cavities 184 are aligned with the distal ends 112 of theoutermost staple cavities 184 and, two, the proximal ends 111 of theinnermost staple cavities 184 are aligned with the proximal ends 111 ofthe outermost staple cavities 184. In various embodiments, each staplecavity 184, and their openings 110, can have the same, or at leastapproximately the same, configuration and, in at least one embodiment,the staple cavities 184 can be spaced equidistantly, or at leastsubstantially equidistantly, relative to one another within a staplerow.

In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cartridgebody 185 of the staple cartridge 142 can further comprise one or moreridges, such as ridges 113, 114, and 115, for example, which can beconfigured to contact and compress the targeted tissue. Moreparticularly, referring now to FIG. 8A, the anvil 120 of an end effectorcan be closed in order to compress the tissue T against the staplecartridge 142 wherein, in such circumstances, the tissue-contacting deck190 and the ridges 113, 114, and 115 extending therefrom can engage thetissue. As the anvil 120 is closed, in certain circumstances, the anvil120 can push the tissue toward the staple cartridge 142 such that thetissue first contacts the ridges 113, 114, and 115 and then contacts thecartridge deck 190. In other circumstances, the staple cartridge 142 canbe positioned against the tissue such that the ridges 113, 114, and 115contact the tissue before the tissue is contacted by the cartridge deck190. In any event, the ridges 113, 114, and 115, once in contact in withthe tissue, can prevent, or at least limit, relative movement betweenthe tissue and the staple cartridge 142. In certain embodiments, theridges 113, 114, and 115 can extend upwardly from a flat, or at leastsubstantially flat, cartridge deck 190 and can define one or morepockets or channels, for example, which can be configured to receive aportion of the tissue therein and, as a result, inhibit the relativemovement of the tissue in the longitudinal direction and/or thetransverse direction of the end effector, especially when the tissue isat least partially compressed between the anvil 120 and the ridges 113,114, and 115. In various embodiments, as the ridges 113, 114, and 115extend above the cartridge deck 190, the tissue positioned intermediatethe anvil 120 and the ridges 113, 114, and 115 can be compressed beforethe tissue positioned intermediate the anvil 120 and the cartridge deck190 is compressed. In some such circumstances, as a result, the tissuepositioned between the anvil 120 and the ridges 113, 114, and 115 can bepre-compressed, i.e., at least partially compressed before the otherportions of the tissue positioned between the anvil 120 and thecartridge deck 190 are compressed. Owing to this pre-compression, invarious circumstances, portions of the tissue can be controlled orprevented from slipping out of the end effector before the tissue isfully compressed as described in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ridges 113extending from the cartridge deck 190 can extend around the proximalends 111 of the staple cavity openings 110. Similarly, the ridges 114extending from the cartridge deck 190 can extend around the distal ends112 of the staple cavity openings 110. These proximal ridges 113 anddistal ridges 114, in various embodiments, can be configured to engagethe tissue positioned above and/or around the staple cavities 184 andhold these portions of the tissue in position as the tissue is beingcompressed and/or stapled. Stated another way, holding the tissuepositioned above and/or surrounding the staple cavities 184 can providelocalized control over the portions of the tissue that are going to bestapled and, as a result, prevent, or at least limit, the relativemovement between these portions of the tissue and the staple cartridge142. In various embodiments, the ridges 113 and 114 can be positionedaround the openings 110 of all of the staple cavities 184 or only someof the staple cavities 184. In at least one embodiment, a cartridge bodymay comprise ridges 113 and 114 surrounding only the staple cavities 184in the outermost rows of the first and second sides 145 and 147. In suchembodiments, the ridges surrounding the outermost rows of staplecavities 184 may be sufficient to block the lateral movement of thetissue within the end effector. In certain embodiments, a cartridge bodymay only comprise proximal ridges 113 surrounding the proximal ends 111of the proximalmost staple cavities 184 and/or distal ridges 114surrounding the distal ends 112 of the distalmost staple cavities 184.In such embodiments, the ridges surrounding the proximalmost anddistalmost staple cavities 184 may be sufficient to block thelongitudinal movement of the tissue within the end effector.

In various embodiments, further to the above, each proximal ridge 113can comprise an arcuate or curved profile, for example, which surroundsa proximal end 111 of an opening 110. The arcuate profile of eachproximal ridge 113 can be defined by one radius of curvature or morethan one radius of curvature. Similarly, each distal ridge 114 cancomprise an arcuate or curved profile, for example, which surrounds adistal end 112 of an opening 110. The arcuate profile of each distalridge 114 can be defined by one radius of curvature or more than oneradius of curvature. In certain embodiments, further to the above, eachridge 113 and 114 can form a pocket which can receive a portion oftissue that is being compressed and prevent that portion of tissue frommoving longitudinally and/or transversely relative to the staplecartridge 142. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge 142 canfurther comprise intermediate ridges 115 which can extend between and/orconnect adjacent ridges 113 and 114 in adjacent rows of staple cavities184. In at least one such embodiment, one or more ridges 113, 114, and115 can co-operatively form an undulating ridge extending across thefirst side 145 or the second side 147 of the cartridge body 185 wherein,in at least one embodiment, the undulating ridge can extend between acenter portion and a side portion of the cartridge body 142. In variousembodiments, each undulating ridge can comprise a plurality of waveportions winding around the proximal and distal ends of the staplecavities 184, for example. In various embodiments, each ridge 113, 114,and 115 can comprise a height defined from the cartridge deck 190wherein, in certain embodiments, the height of each ridge 113, 114, and115 can be uniform, or at least substantially uniform, across the lengththereof. In at least one embodiment, each ridge 113, 114, and 115 canhave the same, or at least substantially the same, height.

In various embodiments, as described above, the staple cavities definedin a staple cartridge body can comprise a staple positioned thereinwherein the entirety of the staple can be positioned below the topsurface, or tissue-contacting surface, of the cartridge deck when thestaple is in its unfired position. In certain other embodiments, atleast a portion of the staple, such as the tips of the staple legs, forexample, can extend above the top surface, or tissue-contacting surface,of the cartridge deck when the staples are in their unfired position. Insome such embodiments, the tips of the staples can protrude from thedeck and may snag on tissue as the staple cartridge is inserted into asurgical site. In at least one embodiment, referring now to FIG. 9, theridges 113 and 114, for example, which extend above thetissue-contacting cartridge deck 190, can at least partially surroundand protect the staple legs 183 of staples 187 when they extend abovethe cartridge deck 190 in their unfired position. Although the ridges113 and 114 may not extend entirely around each opening 110, in variousembodiments, the proximal ridge 113 may sufficiently surround one of thestaple leg tips and the distal ridge 114 may sufficiently surround theother staple leg tip such that the staple leg tips do not contact thetissue prior to the tissue being compressed against the staple cartridge142 and/or the staples 187 being ejected from the staple cartridge 142.In at least one embodiment, the staple leg tips can be positioned belowthe top surfaces 116 of the ridges 113 and 114. In certain embodiments,the staple leg tips can lie in a common plane with the top surfaces 116of the ridges 113 and 114. In various embodiments, as a result of theprotection afforded by the ridges 113 and 114, for example, stapleshaving a taller staple height can be used without the staple tipsprotruding from the staple cartridge 142 in their unfired position. Incertain embodiments, referring again to FIG. 9, the ridges 113 and 114can extend or increase the length in which the staple legs 183 of thestaples 187 can be controlled and/or supported. In at least one suchembodiment, each ridge 113 and 114 can extend or increase the length inwhich the staple legs 183 are supported on three sides thereof. Suchembodiments can prevent, or at least reduce the possibility of, thestaple legs 183 from buckling when they are inserted through densetissue, such as bronchus tissue, for example.

In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 4, the cartridge body 85can comprise cavities 84, slot 62, and channels 86, for example, definedtherein which can reduce the strength of the cartridge body 85. Invarious circumstances, especially when the cartridge body 85 iscompressed by the anvil 20, for example, the cartridge body 85 candeflect as a result of the load applied thereto. In at least one suchembodiment, the portions of the cartridge deck 90 extending over thechannels 86, for example, may be especially thin and may be especiallysubject to deflection and/or breakage. In certain embodiments, referringagain to FIGS. 7 and 8, the ridges 113, 114, and/or 115 can beconfigured to strengthen and/or stiffen the cartridge body 185. In atleast one such embodiment, the ridges 113 and 114, for example, canextend around the openings 110 in order to strengthen and/or stiffen theportions of the cartridge body 185 surrounding the staple cavities 184.In certain embodiments, the ridges 115, for example, can extendtransversely over channels 86, or the like, defined within the cartridgebody 185 such that the ridges 115 can strengthen and/or stiffen thecartridge body 185 surrounding the channels 86. In various otherembodiments, the cartridge body 185 can comprise any suitable number andconfiguration of ridges extending therefrom in order to achieve theadvantages described herein.

In various embodiments, a staple cartridge body 185 can be comprised ofplastic materials, metallic materials, and/or ceramic materials, forexample. Some such materials can comprise liquid crystal polymers, suchas Vectra, for example, thermoplastic polymers, such as polycarbonate,ABS, Noryl, polyamides (nylons), polyethersulfones, polyetherimides,such as Ultem, for example, and/or polymer blends of two or more of theaforementioned thermoplastic polymers, for example, wherein, in variousembodiments, the cartridge body 185 can be formed by an injectionmolding process, for example. Some such materials can comprise thermosetpolymers, like thermoset polyesters, for example, investment caststainless steels, such as 17-4 PH, for example, and/or metal Injectionmolded stainless steels, such as 17-4 PH, for example. In at least onesuch embodiment, the ridges 113, 114, and/or 115 can be integrallyformed with the cartridge deck 190 of the cartridge body 185. In certainembodiments, the ridges 113, 114, and/or 115 can be attached to thecartridge deck 190 by at least one adhesive, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 12, a staple cartridge,such as staple cartridge 342, for example, can comprise a cartridge body385, a plurality of staple cavities 384 defined in the cartridge body385, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities 384. Incertain embodiments, the cartridge body 385 can further comprise a firstside 345 comprising a first group of staple cavities 384, a second side347 comprising a second group of staple cavities 384, and a cartridgedeck 390. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 385 can furthercomprise a plurality of ridges 315 extending from the cartridge deck 390which can be positioned intermediate adjacent staple cavities 384 in arow of staple cavities 384. In at least one embodiment, each ridge 315can comprise a cross-shaped or X-shaped configuration, for example. Inat least one such embodiment, for example, each ridge 315 can comprise aV-shaped portion 313 which can at least partially surround a proximalend 311 of a staple cavity opening 310 and, in addition, a V-shapedportion 314 which can at least partially surround a distal end 312 ofanother staple cavity opening 310. In certain embodiments, only theoutermost rows of staple cavities 384 in cartridge body 385 can be atleast partially surrounded by ridges 315. In certain other embodiments,referring now to FIG. 13, a staple cartridge body 385′ can compriseridges 315 which at least partially surround the opening 310 of everystaple cavity 384 in the cartridge body. In any event, in variousembodiments, each ridge 315 can be configured to compress and controltissue positioned against the staple cartridge 342 as described aboveand/or surround the staple legs of the staples extending above the deck390.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 16, a staple cartridge,such as staple cartridge 542, for example, can comprise a cartridge body585, a plurality of staple cavities 584 defined in the cartridge body585, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities 584. Incertain embodiments, the cartridge body 585 can further comprise a firstside 545 comprising a first group of staple cavities 584, a second side547 comprising a second group of staple cavities 584, and a cartridgedeck 590. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 585 can furthercomprise a plurality of ridges 515 extending from the cartridge deck590, wherein each ridge 515 can entirely surround or encompass a staplecavity opening 510. As illustrated in FIG. 16, some cavity openings 510in the cartridge body 585 may not be surrounded by a ridge 515; whereas,in various alternative embodiments, referring now to FIG. 16A, everycavity opening 510 in a cartridge body 585′ can be surrounded by a ridge515. Various embodiments are contemplated where a cartridge bodycomprises a first group of staple cavities 584 which are surrounded by aridge 515 and a second group of staple cavities 584 which are notsurrounded by a ridge 515, wherein staples having a taller staple heightcan be positioned in the first group of staple cavities 584 and whereinstaples having a shorter staple height can be positioned in the secondgroup of staple cavities 584 such that neither the taller staples northe shorter staples protrude from the staple cartridge 542. In at leastone such embodiment, for example, the cartridge body can be configuredto utilize taller staples in one row of staple cavities 584 and shorterstaples in another row of staple cavities 584. In certain embodiments,ridges 515 can surround all of the staple cavities 584 in the outermostrows of staple cavities 584 in the cartridge body such that tallerstaples can be utilized in the outermost rows and shorter staples can beutilized in the innermost rows and/or intermediate rows of staplecavities 584, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 14, a staple cartridge,such as staple cartridge 442, for example, can comprise a cartridge body485, a plurality of staple cavities 484 defined in the cartridge body485, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities 484. Incertain embodiments, the cartridge body 485 can further comprise a firstside 445 comprising a first group of staple cavities 484, a second side447 comprising a second group of staple cavities 484, and a cartridgedeck 490. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 445 can furthercomprise a plurality of ridges 415 extending from the cartridge deck490, wherein each ridge 415 can comprise a plurality, or array, ofknurls. In use, an anvil can be utilized to position tissue against theknurls such that the tissue conforms to the contour of the knurls. Invarious embodiments, each ridge 415 can comprise a plurality ofpyramidal-shaped, or diamond-shaped, knurls, for example, at leastpartially surrounding one or more staple cavity openings 410 wherein, inat least one embodiment, the pyramidal-shaped knurls can point upwardlyfrom the cartridge deck 490. In at least one embodiment, each pyramidalknurl can comprise four triangular sides which can converge together toform a sharp point. In certain embodiments, referring to FIG. 15A, thepyramidal knurls of ridges 415 can be truncated, wherein the top of eachknurl can comprise a flat top surface surrounded by inclined sides.Although four-sided pyramidal knurls can be utilized, referring now toFIG. 15C, other pyramidal shapes are contemplated which have less thanfour sides or more than four sides, such as three sides, for example. Invarious embodiments, one or more ridges 415 can comprise a plurality ofcone-shaped knurls, wherein each cone-shaped knurl can comprise acircular, or at least substantially circular, base which tapers upwardlyto form a sharp point. In certain embodiments, referring now to FIG.15B, the cone-shaped knurls can be truncated, wherein the top of eachknurl can comprise a flat top surface surrounded by an annular side. Invarious embodiments, referring again to FIG. 14, the knurls of theridges 415 can extend along the lateral sides of the staple cavityopenings 410 and/or between adjacent staple cavity openings 410. In atleast one embodiment, the knurls can extend around the proximal ends 411and/or the distal ends 412 of the staple cavity openings 410. In certainembodiments, the knurls of ridges 415 may only surround some of thestaple cavities 484 while, in certain other embodiments, referring toFIG. 15, the knurls of ridges 415 may cover the entirety, or at leastthe substantial entirety, of the cartridge deck 490, for example.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIG. 10, a staple cartridge,such as staple cartridge 242, for example, can comprise a cartridge body285, a plurality of staple cavities 284 defined in the cartridge body285, and a staple positioned in each of the staple cavities 284. Incertain embodiments, the cartridge body 285 can further comprise a firstside 245 comprising a first group of staple cavities 284, a second side247 comprising a second group of staple cavities 284, and a cartridgedeck 290. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 285 can furthercomprise a plurality of ridges, or bumps, 215 extending from thecartridge deck 290. In at least one such embodiment, each ridge 215 canextend transversely between a center, or middle, portion of thecartridge body 245 positioned adjacent to a knife slot 262 and a lateralportion of the cartridge body 245. More particularly, referringspecifically to the first side 245 of the cartridge body 285, each ridge215 can comprise a first end 213 positioned adjacent to the knife slot262 and a second end 214 positioned adjacent to the first side 261 ofthe cartridge body 285. Similarly, referring now to the second side 247of the cartridge body 285, each ridge 215 can comprise a first end 213positioned adjacent to the knife slot 262 and a second end 214positioned adjacent to the second side 263 of the cartridge body 285. Inat least one embodiment, each ridge 215 can comprise a height measuredfrom the deck 290 wherein, in at least one such embodiment, the heightof each ridge 215 can vary along the length thereof. In certainembodiments, the second end 214 can be taller than the first end 213 andthe height of each ridge 215 can taper between the second end 214 andthe first end 213. In certain alternative embodiments, although notillustrated, the first end 213 of the ridge 215 can be taller than thesecond end 214. In at least one embodiment, the height of each ridge 215can taper linearly, or at least substantially linearly, between the ends213 and 214. In at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge215 can taper between a maximum height at the second end 214 down to noheight at all at the first end 213. In certain embodiments, the heightof each ridge 215 can vary geometrically between the ends 213 and 214.In certain alternative embodiments, referring now to FIG. 11, each ridge215′ can comprise a uniform height across the length thereof.

As described above, the inner ends 213 of the ridges 215 can be shorterthan the outer ends 214 of the ridges 215. In various circumstances, asa result, the inner ends 213 can apply less pressure to the tissueclamped between an anvil and the staple cartridge 242 as compared to theouter ends 214. In various embodiments, as described above, each ridge215 can extend transversely across the cartridge deck 290. In certainembodiments, each ridge 215 can extend along a ridge axis whichtransects a longitudinal axis 299 of the cartridge body 285. In at leastone such embodiment, the ridge axes can be perpendicular, or at leastsubstantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis 299. In variousembodiments, the staple cavities 284 can be arranged in a plurality ofrows, wherein each row of staple cavities 284 can be defined along alongitudinal axis which can be parallel to, or at least substantiallyparallel to, the longitudinal axis 299. In at least one embodiment, theridge axes of the ridges 215 can extend in a direction which transectthe longitudinal axes of the staple cavities 284. In at least one suchembodiment, the ridge axes of the ridges 215 can extend in a directionwhich is perpendicular, or at least substantially perpendicular, to thelongitudinal axes of the staple cavities 284. In various embodiments,referring again to FIG. 10, each ridge 215 can comprise a crest 209 and,in addition, sloped surfaces 208 extending between the crest 209 and thecartridge deck 290. In certain embodiments, each sloped surface 208 cancomprise one or more flat surfaces, curved surfaces, concave surfaces,and/or convex surfaces, for example. In various embodiments, each ridge215 can extend along a path which extends across one or more openings210 of the staple cavities 284. In at least one such embodiment, suchopenings 210 can extend upwardly through the ridges 215. As the ridges215 extend transversely across the cartridge deck 290, the ridges 215,similar to the ridges 115, can increase the strength and/or stiffness ofthe cartridge body 285.

In various embodiments, referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, a staplecartridge, such as staple cartridge 642, for example, can comprise acartridge body 685, a plurality of staple cavities 684 defined in thecartridge body 685, and a staple positioned in each of the staplecavities 684. In certain embodiments, the cartridge body 685 can furthercomprise a first side 645 comprising a first group of staple cavities684, a second side 647 comprising a second group of staple cavities 684,and a cartridge deck 690. In various embodiments, the cartridge body 685can further comprise a plurality of ridges, or bumps, 615 extending fromthe cartridge deck 690. In at least one such embodiment, each ridge 615can extend in a longitudinal direction, wherein each ridge 615 cancomprise a distal end 613 and a proximal end 614, wherein the distal end613 of the ridge 615 can positioned closer to the distal end 643 of thecartridge body 685, and wherein the proximal end 614 of the ridge 615can be positioned closer to the proximal end 641. In at least oneembodiment, each ridge 615 can comprise a height measured from the deck690 wherein, in at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge615 can vary along the length thereof. In certain embodiments, theproximal end 614 can be taller than the distal end 613 and the height ofeach ridge 615 can taper between the proximal end 614 and the distal end613. In certain alternative embodiments, although not illustrated, thedistal end 613 of the ridge 615 can be taller than the proximal end 614.In at least one embodiment, the height of each ridge 615 can taperlinearly, or at least substantially linearly, between the ends 613 and614. In at least one such embodiment, the height of each ridge 615 cantaper between a maximum height at the proximal end 614 down to no heightat all at the distal end 613. In certain embodiments, the height of eachridge 615 can vary geometrically between the ends 613 and 614. Incertain alternative embodiments, each ridge 615 can comprise a uniformheight across the length thereof.

As described above, the distal ends 613 of the ridges 615 can be shorterthan the proximal ends 614 of the ridges 615. In various circumstances,as a result, the distal ends 613 can apply less pressure to the tissueclamped between an anvil and the staple cartridge 642 as compared to theproximal ends 614. In various embodiments, as described above, eachridge 615 can extend longitudinally across the cartridge deck 690. Incertain embodiments, each ridge 615 can extend along a ridge axis whichis parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, a longitudinalaxis 699 of the cartridge body 685. In various embodiments, the staplecavities 684 can be arranged in a plurality of rows, wherein each row ofstaple cavities 684 can be defined along a longitudinal axis which canbe parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the ridge axes ofridges 615. In at least one embodiment, referring again to FIG. 18, eachridge 615 can comprise a ramped surface which can comprise one or moreflat surfaces, curved surfaces, concave surfaces, and/or convexsurfaces, for example. In at least one such embodiment, the bottom ofthe ramped surface can face distally which can facilitate the sliding oftissue across the staple cartridge 642 when the tissue is positioned inthe end effector. In various embodiments, each ridge 615 can extendalong a path which extends across one or more openings 610 of the staplecavities 684. In at least one such embodiment, such openings 610 canextend upwardly through the ridges 615. As the ridges 615 extendtransversely across the cartridge deck 690, the ridges 615 can increasethe strength and/or stiffness of the cartridge body 685.

In various embodiments, further to the above, a surgical staple can becomprised of titanium, such as titanium wire, for example. In certainembodiments, a surgical staple can be comprised of an alloy comprisingtitanium, aluminum, and/or vanadium, for example. In at least oneembodiment, the surgical staple can be comprised of surgical stainlesssteel and/or an alloy comprised of cobalt and chromium, for example. Inany event, the surgical staple can be comprised of metal, such astitanium, and a metal oxide outer surface, such as titanium oxide, forexample. In various embodiments, the metal oxide outer surface can becoated with a material. In certain embodiments, the coating material canbe comprised of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as Teflon®, and/ora tetrafluoroehtylene (TFE) such as ethylene-tetrafluoroehtylene (ETFE),perfluroralkoxyethylene-tetrafluoroehtylene (PFA), and/or FluorinatedEthylene Propylene (FEP), for example. Certain coatings can comprisesilicon. In various embodiments, such coating materials can prevent, orat least inhibit, further oxidation of the metal. In certainembodiments, the coating materials can provide one or more lubricioussurfaces against which the anvil, or staple pockets, can contact thestaples in order to reduce the friction force therebetween. In variouscircumstances, lower friction forces between the staples and the staplepockets can reduce the force required to deform the staples.

Although the various embodiments of the devices have been describedherein in connection with certain disclosed embodiments, manymodifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented.Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, othermaterials may be used. Furthermore, according to various embodiments, asingle component may be replaced by multiple components, and multiplecomponents may be replaced by a single component, to perform a givenfunction or functions. The foregoing description and following claimsare intended to cover all such modification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps ofdisassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement ofparticular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the devicecan be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts ofthe device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination.Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device canutilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement,and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioneddevice, are all within the scope of the present application.

Preferably, the invention described herein will be processed beforesurgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessarycleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilizationtechnique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container,such as a plastic or TYVEK bag. The container and instrument are thenplaced in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such asgamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation killsbacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilizedinstrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealedcontainer keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medicalfacility.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdoes not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

1. A staple cartridge, comprising: a plurality of staples; and acartridge body, comprising: a tissue-contacting deck; a plurality ofstaple cavities, wherein each said staple cavity comprises an opening insaid deck, and wherein a said staple is positioned in each said staplecavity; and a plurality of ridges extending from said tissue-contactingdeck, wherein each said opening is at least partially surrounded by asaid ridge.
 2. The staple cartridge of claim 1, wherein each saidopening is entirely encompassed by a said ridge.
 3. The staple cartridgeof claim 1, further comprising a plurality of staple drivers configuredto eject said staples from said staple cavities, wherein each saidstaple is supported by a staple driver, wherein each said staplecomprises at least one tip, and wherein said tips of said staples arepositioned above said tissue-contacting deck.
 4. The staple cartridge ofclaim 3, wherein each said ridge comprises a top surface, and whereinsaid tips are positioned below said top surfaces.
 5. The staplecartridge of claim 1, wherein each said opening comprises a proximal endand a distal end, and wherein said ridges surround said proximal endsand said distal ends.
 6. The staple cartridge of claim 5, wherein saidplurality of staple cavities comprise a first row of staple cavitieshousing a first row of staples and a second row of staple cavitieshousing a second row of staples, and wherein the ridges surrounding theopenings of said first row of stale cavities are connected to the ridgessurrounding the openings of said second row of staple cavities.
 7. Thestaple cartridge of claim 1, wherein each said ridge comprises an arrayof knurls.
 8. The staple cartridge of claim 7, wherein said knurls eachcomprise one of a pyramid-shaped configuration and a cone-shapedconfiguration.
 9. The staple cartridge of claim 7, wherein said knurlscover the entirety of said tissue-contacting deck.
 10. The staplecartridge of claim 1, wherein said plurality of staple cavitiescomprises a row of staple cavities housing a row of staples, and whereinsaid ridges are positioned intermediate the staple cavities in said rowof staple cavities.
 11. The staple cartridge of claim 10, wherein eachsaid ridge comprises an X-shaped configuration.
 12. A staple cartridge,comprising: a plurality of staples; and a cartridge body, comprising: amiddle portion; a lateral portion; a tissue-contacting deck; a pluralityof staple cavities, wherein a said staple is positioned in each saidstaple cavity; and a plurality of ridges extending from saidtissue-contacting deck, wherein each said ridge extends between saidmiddle portion and said lateral portion.
 13. The staple cartridge ofclaim 12, wherein each said ridge comprises a uniform height.
 14. Thestaple cartridge of claim 12, wherein each said ridge comprises a heightwhich varies along the length thereof.
 15. The staple cartridge of claim14, wherein each said ridge comprises a height which tapers from a tallportion positioned adjacent to said lateral portion of said cartridgebody to a short portion positioned adjacent to said middle portion ofsaid cartridge body.
 16. The staple cartridge of claim 12, wherein saidplurality of staple cavities comprises a first row of staple cavitieshousing a first row of staples and a second row of staple cavitieshousing a second row of staples, and wherein each said ridge extendsalong a line which transects said first row of staples and said secondrow of staples.
 17. A staple cartridge, comprising: a plurality ofstaples; and a cartridge body, comprising: a proximal end; a distal end;a tissue-contacting deck; a plurality of staple cavities, wherein a saidstaple is positioned in each said staple cavity; and a plurality ofridges extending from said tissue-contacting deck, wherein each saidridge comprises a height which varies between a proximal height and adistal height, and wherein said proximal height is closer to saidproximal end than said distal height.
 18. The staple cartridge of claim17, wherein said proximal height is taller than said distal height. 19.The staple cartridge of claim 18, wherein said height of each said ridgetapers between said proximal height and said distal height.
 20. Thestaple cartridge of claim 17, wherein each said ridge comprises a ramphaving a maximum height at said proximal end.